Ham and Cheese Mac and Cheese Bites

Name: Ham and Cheese Mac and Cheese Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 cup low-fat milk; 1 cup (4 ounces) grated sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup (4 ounces) grated monterey jack cheese; 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; pinch of cayenne pepper; 1 cup diced ham; 8 ounces ditalini pasta, cooked according to package directions; 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese for garnish; fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

Recipe GLPR7aa7f7f71f08c9

American

Snack

35 min

162 cal

Servings: 24

Oven

SNAP eligible

Golden, crispy-topped bites of creamy mac and cheese studded with diced ham and a blend of sharp cheddar and monterey jack cheeses. These savory little morsels are perfect for parties, game days, or as a comforting snack. The cheese sauce is flavored with dry mustard, paprika, and a hint of cayenne for subtle warmth.

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Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 cup low-fat milk

1 cup (4 ounces) grated sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup (4 ounces) grated monterey jack cheese

1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

1/4 teaspoon paprika

pinch of cayenne pepper

1 cup diced ham

8 ounces ditalini pasta, cooked according to package directions

1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese for garnish

fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Cook the ditalini pasta according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the flour and whisk constantly for 2-3 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and create a smooth roux.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the mixture comes to a gentle boil, about 5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low. Add the grated sharp cheddar and monterey jack cheeses, whisking until completely melted and smooth.
Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the diced ham, paprika, dry mustard, cayenne pepper, and cooked pasta until everything is evenly combined.
Spray two 12-cup mini muffin tins lightly with cooking spray. Spoon heaping tablespoons of the macaroni and cheese mixture into each cup, using the back of a spoon to gently pack it down slightly so the pasta binds together.
Sprinkle a small amount of the additional shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each bite.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the edges are sizzling.
Remove from the oven and allow the bites to cool and set for 10-15 minutes. This resting time helps them firm up so they hold together when removed.
Gently loosen each bite with a small spoon and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives if desired, and serve warm.

Comments

Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff4.5

This recipe works well for a large yield at under $1.50 per bite—ham and two cheeses from any Charlotte supermarket (Harris Teeter, Kroger, Food Lion, Walmart, ALDI all stock them) keep costs predictable, and the 35-minute timeline holds if you use pre-shredded cheese and deli ham. The real appeal is the make-ahead: these bites reheat beautifully in a 350°F oven, making them ideal for a weeknight dinner or next-day lunch box. Watch that the bites don't dry out if you're cooking small portions; store them in an airtight container and add a light spray of cooking spray before reheating to restore texture.